Stephanie Bateman

Stepping under a cascading shower can be one of the most luxurious feelings in the world.

Stepping under a cascading shower can be one of the most luxurious feelings in the world.

But turning the shower on to be greeted with a pathetic little trickle can be one of the most frustrating and disappointing experiences.

Indeed, the power of a good shower should not be underestimated. So much more than a means of getting clean, the right one can encourage us to break into a chorus of Singin’ In The Rain, awaken the senses and leave us invigorated and ready to face the demands of the day.

Nearly 90 per cent of UK households, according to AMA Research (www.amaresearch.co.uk), have at least one shower in their home, and with demand for super-stylish systems continuing to grow, leading bathroom specialists now offer an array of solutions for both traditional and contemporary interiors.

“The bathroom continues to be a key element of our homes, playing a much greater role beyond that of its traditional function as just another part of the daily routine,” says Robin Levien, international designer at Ideal Standard.

“It has become both multi-purpose and multi-functional, an oasis of escapism and relaxation. A place for reinvigoration, transformation and even somewhere to pose, ponder and play.”

Dreaming of a shower upgrade? The first stage in the planning process is to address a number of key issues, such as water pressure, the fabric of the building and ceiling height.

“ The most important thing is to ensure you choose a shower system that’s compatible with your water supply, to make sure you have sufficient water pressure to give optimal showering experience,” notes Joe Stephens, product designer at Roper Rhodes.

Once the practical points have been addressed, you can drench yourself in the fun bits...